Peterborough

Peterborough's history goes back nearly 6,000 years.
The Romans also had a great influence in this area
circa AD 50, when they built the nearby town of Durobrivae.
Also establishing a 27 acre fortress (now located beneath
Thorpe Wood golf course) and developed the local pottery
production, 'Nene Ware' into a major industry.

The crowning glory of present day Peterborough is
its cathedral, one of the finest Norman buildings in
Britain. The site began as a monastery dedicated to
St Peter in 656. The Danes sacked this in 870 and it
was rebuilt 100 years later. It was then destroyed
by fire in 1117 and the core of the present cathedral
was built on the site as an abbey church, between 1118
and 1143.

Fronting the Cathedral Square is a great Norman
Gateway. The remaining chancel of the 14th-c Chapel
of St Thomas of Canterbury stands to the left of the
gate; its east window has a beautiful tracery.
In the town square is the impressive old Butter Cross
(known as the Guildhall), which dates from 1671. Next
to this is Peterborough's ancient parish church of
St John the Baptist. Built around 1402, using stone
from the nave of the Chapel of St Thomas of Canterbury.

While exploring Peterborough's historical city centre,
you can enjoy refreshments in the town square, which
is fronted by a range of, tea rooms, coffee shops and
restaurants. Peterborough has two theatres, Key Theatre
and The Cresset, offering drama, ballet and concerts.
The city center has a wide selection of restaurants
serving cuisine for every palate, with cocktail bars
and night clubs open until the early hours. You can
also enjoy a meal on one of the town's floating restaurants,
with a lovely view of the Weeping willows that edge
the River Nene.

The Town Museum provides a range of Guided Walks around Peterborough City Centre, in the daytime and during the evenings. The tours, which range from ghost walks to medieval, Victorian and wartime history, provide a fascinating and informative insight to different aspects of the city's past.

Tourist Information Centre:

Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1HJ - Tel:+44 (0)1733 452336

Content by Susanne B

Places of interest to visit in Peterborough

Peterborough Cathedral

One
of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the
UK. The nave (circa 1194), has 11 bays and massive
piers, built from local cream-coloured Barnack
stone. The high wooden roof is decorated with 13th-c
paintings. Thousands of pilgrims are drawn here annually
to visit the tomb of Catherine of Aragon (Henry VIII's
first wife) who was interred in a simple tomb in the
centre of the cathedral. Within the nave is a painting
of Old Scarlett, a 16th-c grave digger, who buried
Catherine of Aragon and also Mary Queen of Scots, within
the cathedral building. Daily
Eucharist and Matins and Evensong services
(see website for times). Guided Tours of the Cathedral,
Tower and Precincts are available (charges may apply).

River Nene and Old Customs House

Located near the town bridge is a 16th-c Customs
House (not open to public), surmounted by a light that
once guided vessels to a wharf on the River Nene. The
attractive river front is lined with weeping willow
trees, a favourite mooring for river cruisers and narrow
boats. The Key Theatre and Lido are also located in
the River Embankment park.

Peterborough Museum

Peterborough's
Museum at Priestgate, houses the largest Jurassic marine
reptile exhibit outside of London. The museum is also
noted for its displays of local Roman finds, plus a
fine collection of carved bonework and straw marquetry
made by prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars.

Peterborough Lido

Opened in 1936, it is one of the few surviving Lidos of its type still in use in the United Kingdom. Facilities include, 3 heated outdoor pools (main, learner and paddling pool) a grass sunbathing area and a refreshment area.

Railworld

Designed
around a theme to raise awareness on sustainable transport
and the need to cut global emissions in the field of
transport. The museum contains a number of indoor and
outdoor model railways, plus a variety of full size
steam and diesel-electric locomotives, including one
of the two Birmingham Maglev's and the first British
built hover train (see image). Ideal for children and
railway enthusiasts. Located next the museum is the
city terminus for the
Nene Valley
Steam Railway.

Ferry Meadows Country Park

A
large open expanse of parkland, waterway, meadows
and mixed woodlands, situated within a large meander
of the River Nene. Facilities include a golf course,
shop, restaurant and miniature railway. Sailing and
water sports are available on Gunwade Lake. The outline
of an excavated Roman Aisled Barn and Roman Temple
can be found in the centre of the park (see image).